THE MINISTERIAL CAUCUS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXX, Issue 141, 16 June 1896, Page 2

THE MINISTERIAL CAUCUS.

MR JUSTICE WILLIAMS' DECISION

A SURPRISE.

SEVERE STRICTURES ON MR

WARD,

HIS RESIGNATION IMMINENT;

Wellington, This Day, Tho adjourned Ministerial caucus was just about to take place wben word was received from Dunedin. . that judgment had been given refusing the proposal of the sale with costs, and thot Mr Ward's business affairs had been subject to severe strictures. This oame as a staggerer to the Government supporters. It is believed that Mr Ward's resignation will be announced to the caucus, Mr Ward reserving the right to make a statement on the floor of the House.

Interviewed before tbe adjourned caucus this morning, Mr Ward admitted that he had been an enterprising and daring trader, but he affirmed that there had been no dishonesty on his part. He regretted that bis positipn should havo any detrimental effeot on the party, and he was anxiouß that no conduot of his should place the Ministerialists and his colleagues in a difficult position, and he.was quite prepared to fight his own battle. Speaking with some warmth, Mr Ward said that two ex-directors of the Oolonial Bank should not be permitted to esoape soathless. Mr Seddon mentioned that ho had consulted the President and the General Manager of the Bank of New Zealand, and that both were agreeable to the appointment pf a Seleot Committee as suggested by him to consider banking matters generally.